The city of Maribyrnong has the highest rate of deaths from coronary heart disease in metropolitan Melbourne and ranks seventh in the state, new figures show.
A Heart Foundation study released last week showed Maribyrnong had a heart disease mortality rate of 85.4 per 100,000 people, compared to the national average of 66 per 100,000.
The rate of heart-related hospitalisations is 49 per 100,000, significantly higher than the national average of 43 per 100,000.
In terms of risk factors, Maribyrnong has a prevalence of high blood pressure (22 per cent) among its population, which is the same as the national average.
Sixty eight per cent of Maribyrnong residents are physically inactive, 16 per cent smoke and 28 per cent are obese – with all of these figures similar the national average.
Heart Foundation Victorian chief executive Kellie-Ann Jolly, said social economic disadvantage played a big part.
“Victorians who live in the state’s most disadvantaged areas are more likely to have significant risk factors, be hospitalised for heart attack or die from coronary heart disease,” she said.
“We know better heart health is linked with secure work, safe affordable housing, good education, access to healthy food and appropriate health services.”
Across Melbourne’s west, the heart disease death rate is was 66.5 per 100,000, compared with 47.4 per 100,000 in the inner east.
In Hobsons Bay, the mortality rate is 59 per 100,000 and heart-related hospitalisations number 42 per 100,000.
Victoria’s regional areas had the highest death rate, with Swan Hill recording 95.5 deaths per 100,000.
Ms Jolly urged people to understand their personal risks for heart disease and get tested.
“We know people may have put off seeing a doctor this year, but it’s time now to make that appointment,” she said.
“If you’re 45 years and over, or from age 30 if you’re Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, I urge you to talk to your GP about having a Heart Health Check.”
